John Champe, one final chance for a 4a championship!

[DinwiddieProud]

Jumping back over to the west for our next team discussion, we have relative newcomer, John Champe.

In only four years of existence, the Knights have gone from no wins, to an 11-1 season. With their ever burgeoning student population, this Loudoun County school is all but assured of moving up to 5a in 2017. This coming season may well be their last chance to grab the 4a championship.

With a whopping 26 players being lost to graduation, the assumption could be made that they may be facing the need to rebuild. But, Maxpreps list an almost unbelievable roster of 141 players for last season. If true, losing 26 is not the death knell it may otherwise be.

Last year, as the season wore on, and the playoffs got underway, many said, "don't underestimate Champe". And until they ran into the eventual state champion Spartans, it looked like they might be right.

So, what will happen this fall. Will they move on to 5a as the reigning 4a champs? Or will they just end their final 4a campaign as just another really good team?

 

[mike salem]

Jumping back over to the west for our next team discussion, we have relative newcomer, John Champe.

In only four years of existence, the Knights have gone from no wins, to an 11-1 season. With their ever burgeoning student population, this Loudoun County school is all but assured of moving up to 5a in 2017. This coming season may well be their last chance to grab the 4a championship.

With a whopping 26 players being lost to graduation, the assumption could be made that they may be facing the need to rebuild. But, Maxpreps list an almost unbelievable roster of 141 players for last season. If true, losing 26 is not the death knell it may otherwise be.

Last year, as the season wore on, and the playoffs got underway, many said, "don't underestimate Champe". And until they ran into the eventual state champion Spartans, it looked like they might be right.

So, what will happen this fall. Will they move on to 5a as the reigning 4a champs? Or will they just end their final 4a campaign as just another really good team?

I believe the 141 players is spread among 3 teams- Varsity, JV, & Freshmen teams. That being said that's still a lot of players. There may be some overlap, but I think they'll manage to field a solid team.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

I believe the 141 players is spread among 3 teams- Varsity, JV, & Freshmen teams. That being said that's still a lot of players. There may be some overlap, but I think they'll manage to field a solid team.

I think they lose their QB Zach Burdick. He was pretty good and was pretty much their offense. Don't think we'll hear much from Champe but I could be wrong.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

My guess is John Champe, while not at last year's level, will still be pretty good. I think they lose many of their key players, including Burdick, who (as DSH indicated) was just about the whole show on offense, at least against Salem. However, they seem to have a good coach and solid community support, so I think those factors will keep the drop-off from being dramatic. Again, just a guess, but the Knights will likely still be a playoff team. And, bonus points to DP for use of the word "burgeoning."

Sidebar question: just what the heck is driving the massive population boom in Loudoun County?! That can't all be related to guvment jobs, can it?

 

[mike salem]

My guess is John Champe, while not at last year's level, will still be pretty good. I think they lose many of their key players, including Burdick, who (as DSH indicated) was just about the whole show on offense, at least against Salem. However, they seem to have a good coach and solid community support, so I think those factors will keep the drop-off from being dramatic. Again, just a guess, but the Knights will likely still be a playoff team. And, bonus points to DP for use of the word "burgeoning."

Sidebar question: just what the heck is driving the massive population boom in Loudoun County?! That can't all be related to guvment jobs, can it?

A lot of LC growth is related to government contract jobs and to a lesser degree actual government jobs. (I think the Dept of Homeland Security is based there) The biggest economic driver in the county is related to being home to IAD, The International Airport at Dulles. Many international companies have moved here because of its access to not just DC, but the world via the international airport. The airport offers flights to 125 different countries & 6 continents. They are also building a metro line that will directly link the airport to DC.

 

[falcettik]

What you said about LC growth is pretty much true, Mike, but the real factor is that the DC area continues to grow and as far as areas to grow into in VA, LC is about the only area left in NOVA.

As to Champe's success they seem to have fit the pattern where when a new school opens it is not unusual to see them do very well 4-6 years later. Most new schools don't have a senior class, so lots of underclassmen get significant varsity playing time as sophomores/juniors or possibly freshmen. There is no substitute for 3 years of on the field varity experience. Add in that young families flock to the (at the time) less expensive housing or growing industry and it makes a recipe for success for at least a while. I have seen it time and again in this area: Westfield opened in 2000, won 6A on 2003 and 2007. Battlefield opened in 2004 and won 6A in 2010. Briar Woods opened in 2005 and won three 4A championships from 2010-12 (yes, I know they should have been in 5A but they were still very good). Tuscarora opened in 2010 and was 5A runner up in 2014, losing to a great LC Bird team, and a state semifinalist in 2015. Stone Bridge opened in 2000 and won 5A in 2007, but dominated their area competition for many years in the '00s and often ran into the Phoebus juggernaut too.

 

[shauntclair]

A lot of LC growth is related to government contract jobs and to a lesser degree actual government jobs. (I think the Dept of Homeland Security is based there) The biggest economic driver in the county is related to being home to IAD, The International Airport at Dulles. Many international companies have moved here because of its access to not just DC, but the world via the international airport. The airport offers flights to 125 different countries & 6 continents. They are also building a metro line that will directly link the airport to DC.

There are Government jobs but the big thing is that it's the major technology corridor of the Atlantic Coast. The Silicon Valley of the East. The Data Centers there are ten times the size of Salem Stadium. I know. I've had to work in them. And the originator of it all was AOL. With the Airport a National hub and it's proximity to DC, there is major money going on. Both private and Government.

With the overcrowding in Fairfax County, the migration was naturally to the West, in what was originally farm and horse country 30 years ago. The money made the houses, area and schools big and affluent. Loudoun County is a top 5 fastest growing and most affluent in the Country.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Ok, that explains the growth up there. I think we all kind of new it about as explained, but couldn't really quantify it.

Back to football, what do you guys think? "DSH" and "tik" have given us some good info. Does everybody agree they may take a step back this year? What do you think their regular season record will be?

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Ok, that explains the growth up there. I think we all kind of new it about as explained, but couldn't really quantify it.

Back to football, what do you guys think? "DSH" and "tik" have given us some good info. Does everybody agree they may take a step back this year? What do you think their regular season record will be?

Total guesswork, but what the heck, that's why we're here: based on last year's results and what little I know about the consistency of the programs up that way, I'll go with a 7-3 finish for the Knights. Losses to Woodgrove, Dominion, and one other (probably Loudoun Valley or Heritage). With twelve playoff spots, they'll be in the mix for one of the bottom four seeds.

Until now, it's been a steady building process in Aldie; this apparently will be the first time John Champe has faced significant graduation losses. If the Knights check in at 8-2 or better, that will speak volumes about the quality of the program.

And again - guesswork.

 

[shauntclair]

Total guesswork, but what the heck, that's why we're here: based on last year's results and what little I know about the consistency of the programs up that way, I'll go with a 7-3 finish for the Knights. Losses to Woodgrove, Dominion, and one other (probably Loudoun Valley or Heritage). With twelve playoff spots, they'll be in the mix for one of the bottom four seeds.

Until now, it's been a steady building process in Aldie; this apparently will be the first time John Champe has faced significant graduation losses. If the Knights check in at 8-2 or better, that will speak volumes about the quality of the program.

And again - guesswork.

8 - 2 but don't be surprised by 10 - 0. They'll be good again. good Coach. Better genetics. The talent will be there. Until they get bumped to 5A, these guys may be the next Briar Woods in 4A.

 

[1MoreHokie]

Next Briar Woods lol. What empirical evidence are you basing that on exactly? The one season they had moderate high-end success?

 

[Bowl with cheesy western]

SALEM SALEM SALEM enough said

 

[shauntclair]

Next Briar Woods lol. What empirical evidence are you basing that on exactly? The one season they had moderate high-end success?

Genetics and depth of resource pool. Same as Briar Woods. And they have only been in existence 4 years. Ain't that a kick in the ass?

 

[1MoreHokie]

Genetics and depth of resource pool. Same as Briar Woods. And they have only been in existence 4 years. Ain't that a kick in the ass?

Genetics lollllllllllllllllllllll you're really not good at this stuff. It especially shows when you pick games.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Ok fellows, let's move past this, please. It's been awhile since Rod had to lock one down, so let's keep it that way. Ok?

 

[shauntclair]

Genetics lollllllllllllllllllllll you're really not good at this stuff. It especially shows when you pick games.

Genetics is correct. The talent breeding pool is superior. That's why Champe will remain a vEry strong team for the next few years before they go to 5A. But Salem is the embodiment of the purity of HS Football. Hard work, team work and good Coaching can win out over more talent and I actually had already picked them as #1 pre-season 4A. The yoke of 757 domination has been lifted. Spartans cannot be intimidated. They are now the intimidator. That carries over.

Now, if you'd like to claim how many times I've picked against Salem in the last two years and lost, you'd be right in 2 out of 4 (if we're only talking playoffs). Other than that, Salem makes it pretty easy to be perfect. Which I am when picking their games in the regular season. The schedule is barely challenging. I'm usually right at the top of the 4A pickem' even though I don't live in the State anymore. I like the handicap. Makes it fair for the rest of you.

 

[shauntclair]

Ok fellows, let's move past this, please. It's been awhile since Rod had to lock one down, so let's keep it that way. Ok?

Why would you think Rod would delete this? He dumps for personal attacks or for a thread going nowhere. Champe will remain strong. That's all that's been said. I simply added that their resource pool will be inherently stronger. Simple Anthropology and History.

Like Alabama will remain a top College team. The Coaching is good. The program is good. But the bottom line is they get the most talent. You cannot do what they do without the talent. Champe will return big talent and be a 4A impact team.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

Next Briar Woods? I respect your opinion but I highly doubt that.. It's hard to make an assumption on a team who had one decent year.. They beat 2 decent teams in Woodgrove and GW Danville just to have Salem absolutely put the beat down on them...ON CHAMPE'S HOMEFIELD. I agree with Spartan, they'll be a lower seed this year and could possibly even spring an upset but in 4a West with Salem, Sherando, Amherst (they're going to turn that program around), GW, and the other 4a NOVA such as Woodgrove, Loudon Valley, etc..They won't have that success especially with Salem ruling the roost for the next 4+ years.. They're definitely not on the level of LT, Dinwiddie, or Monacan..So I respect your opinion Shaunty (you are very knowledgeable btw), but I just don't see it.

 

[hamspear]

I agree Champe could be fairly good these next few years, however I don't feel they will be the next BW or SB. Completely opposite side of the county, I don't feel the talent is a prevalent on the Southwest side of Loudoun County as it is around Ashburn, va. Just my opinion , could be wrong.

 

[mike salem]

I agree Champe could be fairly good these next few years, however I don't feel they will be the next BW or SB. Completely opposite side of the county, I don't feel the talent is a prevalent on the Southwest side of Loudoun County as it is around Ashburn, va. Just my opinion , could be wrong.

Ashburn does seem to be the epicenter for football talent in LC. Stone Bridge, Briar Woods, Broad Run, I think Tuscarora is Ashburn or close. Champe had a great year, but I think they'll drop a couple this year. Their QB Burdick was a big part of their success, he graduated and I think they'll drop to 7-3 or 8-2. They may win a playoff game, but I don't think they're the next coming of Briar Woods. I think Salem dismantling them at home kind of solidifies that assumption in my mind. They may become the next Tuscarora or Briar Woods once they hit 5A, but I think they only have 1 more year in 4A & I don't think they'll get it done this year. I do like what they are building there, I just think it's a few years off before they jump to that high playoff level that other Loudoun schools have attained.

 

[hamspear]

Tuscarora is leesburg but very close ,correct.

 

[shauntclair]

Next Briar Woods? I respect your opinion but I highly doubt that.. It's hard to make an assumption on a team who had one decent year.. They beat 2 decent teams in Woodgrove and GW Danville just to have Salem absolutely put the beat down on them...ON CHAMPE'S HOMEFIELD. I agree with Spartan, they'll be a lower seed this year and could possibly even spring an upset but in 4a West with Salem, Sherando, Amherst (they're going to turn that program around), GW, and the other 4a NOVA such as Woodgrove, Loudon Valley, etc..They won't have that success especially with Salem ruling the roost for the next 4+ years.. They're definitely not on the level of LT, Dinwiddie, or Monacan..So I respect your opinion Shaunty (you are very knowledgeable btw), but I just don't see it.

Actually, only 4 seasons old. Briar Woods had only 4 seasons and went 4 - 6 before their first State Championship season. What a coincidence.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

Actually, only 4 seasons old. Briar Woods had only 4 seasons and went 4 - 6 before their first State Championship season. What a coincidence.

They also had a guy by the name of Alex Carter.. Unless Champe gets them one of those, they won't be beating Salem or any "elite teams" in 4a.

 

[bceagle47]

The Champe coaches believe that the rising junior class is the most talented group they have had. The MOJO in the building is one you would expect from a program on the rise. The numbers in the weight room and commitment to the program reminds you of those solid established Loudoun schools that have been mentioned above so it is not unrealistic to anticipate another step forward for the Knights. Losing Burdick (in particular) and Deong hurt but, as I said above the coaches are excited to see what this junior class can do. Hell Coach Dawson was speaking at career day at the local elementary school a month ago so this staff is all in on truly building a program from the ground level that might one day be mentioned in the same light as a program such as Salem. Champe scrimmages Tuscarora in Aldie in August so if you want an early preview of two very good teams check that out.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Good stuff there, bc. Thanks for the insight.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

A lot of LC growth is related to government contract jobs and to a lesser degree actual government jobs. (I think the Dept of Homeland Security is based there) The biggest economic driver in the county is related to being home to IAD, The International Airport at Dulles. Many international companies have moved here because of its access to not just DC, but the world via the international airport. The airport offers flights to 125 different countries & 6 continents. They are also building a metro line that will directly link the airport to DC.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! They may build it, but will it be worth a plug nickel when they "complete" it? Doubtful. I'd rather take my chances driving into DC than take that metro system anytime. You aren't allowed to conceal carry, and the complete lack of proper management of such a system are the main reasons. You are taking your life into your own hands if you use that piece of junk system!

 

[SpartanOfYore]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! They may build it, but will it be worth a plug nickel when they "complete" it? Doubtful. I'd rather take my chances driving into DC than take that metro system anytime. You aren't allowed to conceal carry, and the complete lack of proper management of such a system are the main reasons. You are taking your life into your own hands if you use that piece of junk system!

You really think it's that bad? Has it gone drastically downhill in the last few years? I have very limited experience with using the Metro. A few years ago I accompanied my wife to a conference she was attending in Rockville. So for those two days I used the Metro to explore DC. That (plus one or two other day trips) is a very small sample size, but I found it to be clean, reasonably easy to use, and convenient. And I guess I should say I have virtually no experience with any other similar systems. No subways here in Salem - aside from the ones that serve sandwiches.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

You really think it's that bad? Has it gone drastically downhill in the last few years? I have very limited experience with using the Metro. A few years ago I accompanied my wife to a conference she was attending in Rockville. So for those two days I used the Metro to explore DC. That (plus one or two other day trips) is a very small sample size, but I found it to be clean, reasonably easy to use, and convenient. And I guess I should say I have virtually no experience with any other similar systems. No subways here in Salem - aside from the ones that serve sandwiches.

The DC metro system is PLAGUED with safety issues, all of which are brought on by complete mismanagement from the top to the bottom. There are weekly murders/assaults at stations and the fact they allow the DC public school kids to use metro for free instead of riding the school bus brings about the constant possibility of having to put up with a bunch of foul-mouthed punks and no security guards to rein them in. Be thankful you don't have this problem. Read the Washington Post sometime when you feel like throwing up in your mouth or (perish the thought) maybe want to move to the area.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Interesting. Thanks for the insight. The only negative experience I had was at the evening rush hour, when there were so many people crammed in the car, I thought I would go insane from claustrophobia and humidity.

My niece and her fiancé live in Arlington. I'll have to ask her opinion of the Metro.

 

[mike salem]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! They may build it, but will it be worth a plug nickel when they "complete" it? Doubtful. I'd rather take my chances driving into DC than take that metro system anytime. You aren't allowed to conceal carry, and the complete lack of proper management of such a system are the main reasons. You are taking your life into your own hands if you use that piece of junk system!

I had no idea it was that bad. As Spartan said my only experience has been years ago. I was with my parents and I was around 16, so about 25 years ago!

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Same here, have not been onboard since about 1987. It was ok back then. But I have seen enough news that I need no convienceing about the maintenance. I saw a story about a week ago saying the results of a recent investigation into their bus fleet revealed that essentially the entire fleet had serious safety deficiencies.

 

[shauntclair]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! They may build it, but will it be worth a plug nickel when they "complete" it? Doubtful. I'd rather take my chances driving into DC than take that metro system anytime. You aren't allowed to conceal carry, and the complete lack of proper management of such a system are the main reasons. You are taking your life into your own hands if you use that piece of junk system!

I lived there 35 years. I invite you ride the NYC Subway System (the biggest in the world) and think the DC Metro is so horrible. I've been on the Metro many, many times. If you think you need to carry a concealed weapon, your urban survival techniques are sorely lacking. It's not about fire power, it's knowing how not to be a victim.

Do you truly want to drive? DC has the worst traffic in America. I commuted back and forth from Fredericksburg to NOVA for over 20 years. That's over 130 miles per day, plus most weekends because of my position. I'd trade that for reading the paper, enjoying my coffee, taking a nap and knowing when you'll get home any time.

I can't give much credibility to your post at all.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

I lived there 35 years. I invite you ride the NYC Subway System (the biggest in the world) and think the DC Metro is so horrible. I've been on the Metro many, many times. If you think you need to carry a concealed weapon, your urban survival techniques are sorely lacking. It's not about fire power, it's knowing how not to be a victim.

Do you truly want to drive? DC has the worst traffic in America. I commuted back and forth from Fredericksburg to NOVA for over 20 years. That's over 130 miles per day, plus most weekends because of my position. I'd trade that for reading the paper, enjoying my coffee, taking a nap and knowing when you'll get home any time.

I can't give much credibility to your post at all.

I can't give much credibility to yours either. Food of any kind is not allowed on the metro, and never has been. The trains NEVER run on schedule, and in the last few years, especially on the Red Line, the delays are horrible. Napping is not a possibility. Perhaps on the VRE, but definitely not the metro system. The key to DC traffic is knowing your escape routes. I ALWAYS got home faster when I drove instead of taking the metro, and most of the time I stayed on the major arteries. If you've been reading any of the DC area papers, you'd also know about the rise in random attacks at metro stations, and the lack of security to prevent them.

 

[falcettik]

Metro is a disgrace and far too expensive for what you get. I work in downtown DC, a 30 mile commute from where I live in Centreville. My office is going to move in the next 1-2 years to a location in SE DC where I will have to take Metro (no on-campus parking). Not happening; I will resign first. My 37-38 minute drive (at 5:10 am, not at rush hour-that is a minimum 60-70 minutes) will increase to a lovely 1 hour 20 min to 1.5 hour Metro commute and cost $16.55 per day, including parking. That commute time assumes no single tracking, delays, accidents/incidents, and I hit every connection on time with no waiting on the platform (in your dreams......). And the commuter buses don't run early enough in the afternoon, and are spaced at least an hour apart near the beginning of the PM rush, so that makes it even longer if I was forced to take Metro versus driving. It's an easy decision to drive.

Metro is that bad, but for some it is all they have.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I'm liking rural Dinwiddie more and more with each passing post you guys make.

 

[mike salem]

I'm liking rural Dinwiddie more and more with each passing post you guys make.

Yeah me too, it makes my RADAR trips and rides directly in my wheelchair (as long as it's within 2 miles and in decent weather) feel like a real blessing. Although I will say the roads and sidewalks in certain areas could certainly use improvements. (my back pain will attest to that) Some RADAR drivers seem to drive like they are in a DeLorean trying to travel back in time with no regard for the passenger that is riding directly above the back wheels that apparently have no shocks. But honestly I'm very thankful that I have a way to get places that are further away in Roanoke. RADAR is paratransit transportation. (Wheelchairs, people who have difficulty walking very far, and also to people who have mental disabilities- basically anyone that can't use the Valley Metro buses.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Careful Mike, some may say you qualify primarily from the mental aspect!!!

 

[mike salem]

Careful Mike, some may say you qualify primarily from the mental aspect!!!

Some days I'm sure I do. With some of the medicines I have to take at times, I've been known to basically black out into a deep REM sleep. I guess that could qualify me for mental status being as I sometimes fall so suddenly into a deep unresponsive sleep. This is rare, only when I'm having severe sleep deprivation at nights. When it happens it can be rather scary. There were at least 3 instances where my son or son from another bun, found me completely out and it took them shaking me a little bit to actually stir me awake. Luckily, it's only ever happened at home. I won't go out if I'm that sleep deprived.

 

[shauntclair]

I'm liking rural Dinwiddie more and more with each passing post you guys make.

Since Mom passed, I've taken a job at Washington College. I needed something to do and Dad has full time care now during the day. I walk 2 blocks to get to Campus. From my massive commutes to Manhattan and DC, I've come full circle and not too many places are more laid back than Chestertown.

FYI. The Football around here is horrible.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Well Shaunty, you are welcome to come south and enjoy some good football any time. But, the cost of admission will be one bushel of Jimmies! (For those same of you with no exposure to the Chesapeake Bay, Jimmies are big, meaty, male Blue Crabs.) I'm making some drawn butter now Shaunty, so get a move on!